This is a fixture consumed by off-field distractions. Portsmouth have this week been placed under a transfer embargo while Wigan have had to deal with the twin issues of an apologetic manager and a jailed striker. There will be relief, then, when play finally starts this afternoon. For Portsmouth, the aim is to secure a first home league victory of the season and they can take hope from the visitors' injuries in defence – both Chris Kirkland and Maynor Figueroa are likely to be unavailable to Roberto Martínez. Paul Hart, the Portsmouth manager, is himself likely to be without Papa Bouba Diop. Sachin Nakrani